Scramble 500

ABSTRACT

A board game comprised of arranging numerical tiles on a playing surface for the entertainment of a plurality of players. The game consists of a playing surface consisting of 260 square rectangles and a plurality of tile game pieces marked with a numerical and/or alphabetic inscription. The tiles are arranged on the playing surface in a line of tiles, not fewer than three and not more than eight. The tiles are arranged in a line of numerically matching numbers or numerically sequential numbers. The tiles inscribed with an alphabetical inscription are used as “wild” tiles. Each subsequent play must cross or add to an existing line of tiles already on the playing surface. Play is scored by adding the number of tiles played, then multiplied by “multipliers” inscribed on the tile. The play ends when the predetermined score is achieved, all tiles have been played or no player is able to make a play.

REFERENCES CITED

U.S. Patent Documents

2,752,158 June 1956 Brunot 273/135 4,017,080 April 1977 Severson 273/1354,126,315 November 1978 Tung 273/271 4,283,058 October 1981 de Cadier273/236 4,565,374 January 1986 Pak 273/272 4,659,085 April 1987 DeVries273/236 5,306,016 April 1994 McInnis 273/258 5,314,190 May 1994 Lyons273/272 5,560,612 October 1996 Ippoliti 273/272 6,508,468 January 2003Challice 273/272 2005/0093238 May 2005 Anderson 273/258

International Patent Documents A63F 3/00

GB 2018606 A March 1979 De Cadier GB 2301043 A May 1995 Harwood GB9510314.9 July 1996 Unsworth GB 2299949 A October 1996 Sang Tse WO91/00129 January 1991 Fraser-Dacker WO 96/19273 December 1994 Pavlovick

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This work of art represents a new board game that is to be used for theenjoyment of a plurality of players. The work relates to a specificallydesigned board that players may arrange tiles in either numericallymatching order or numerically sequential order while trying to achievethe highest possible score using “multipliers” located on the tile.

Board games have been around for a long time and the field is full anddiverse. Each of the previously identified works uses common elements tobuild their game. They often use a playing surface demarcated into aplurality of parts. They frequently have game pieces such as tiles,cubes or objects. The game pieces are often inscribed with identifyingnumbers, colors, shapes, letters or designs. Another common element mayinclude the use of mathematical equations or arithmetic in playingand/or the scoring of the game. Some of these patents include U.S. Pat.Nos. 2,752,158; 4,565,374; 5,560,612 and 6,508,468. Each of theseprevious works uses common themes to build their piece of art. Whilethese prior board games may provide for educational or enjoyment for theindividuals playing them, the new board game disclosed in thisapplication is dramatically different in its design and application.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The idea presented is to create a new and unique board game that placestiles on a unique board, the tile pieces being arranged in eithernumerically matching order or numerically sequential order then scoringby using “multipliers” present on the game pieces.

The playing surface is arranged in such a way as to provide for creativeand strategic placement of the tiles when playing. This design iscreated by a pattern of 260 identical square rectangles arranged in theshape of a cross. This arrangement of the playing surface is specific tocreate a unique playing surface that provides greater enjoyment andstrategy while playing.

In addition the game provides for the use of numerically inscribed tilesto be arranged either in numerically matching or numerically sequentialorder while playing. The lines of tiles may be played eitherhorizontally or vertically.

Furthermore, the game is scored by adding the number of tiles playedthen multiplying by the number of “multipliers” present on each tile.This unique way of scoring allows for strategic play and challenges theplay to arrange tiles as to achieve the highest score possible.

Further clarification and specification of the rules, play and piecesare discussed in greater detail below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top view of the game board.

FIG. 2 is a view of the tile pieces with the identifying inscriptions.

FIG. 3 is a pictorial view of the tile pieces with the “multipliers” onthem.

FIG. 4 is a depiction of numerically sequential play.

FIG. 5 is a pictorial depiction of the area in which the first play musttake place.

FIG. 6 is an example of a correct numerically matching play crossing anexisting line of tiles on the game board.

FIG. 7 is an example of a correct numerically sequential play crossingan existing line of tiles on the game board.

FIG. 8 is an example of a correct numerically matching play added on tothe end of an existing line of tiles on the game board.

FIG. 9 is an example of a correct numerically sequential play added onto the end of an existing line of tiles on the game board.

FIG. 10 is an example of a correct numerically matching play crossingmore than one line of existing line of tiles on the game board.

FIG. 11 is an example of a correct numerically sequential play added onto the end of more than one line of existing line of tiles on the gameboard.

FIG. 12 is an example of a correct use of the “S” tiles or the “wild”tiles.

FIG. 13 is an example of a correct play being played between twoexisting lines of tiles on the game board.

FIG. 14 is examples of an incorrect play were the tiles do not touchexiting tiles on the game board.

FIG. 15 is examples of an incorrect play were the tiles do not match theexiting line of tiles on the game board.

FIG. 16 is examples of an incorrect play were the tiles do not correctlymove in the correct sequential order.

FIG. 17 is examples of an incorrect play were the new line of tiles doesnot contain a minimum of three tiles.

FIG. 18 is examples of an incorrect play when a new play is placed ontwo separate lines of tiles.

FIG. 19 is examples of an incorrect play when a line of tiles is longerthan eight tiles.

FIG. 20 is a depiction of scoring a play.

FIG. 21 is a depiction of scoring a play.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The attached drawing figures depict in detail the game board, tileplaying pieces, markings on the tiles, play and scoring of theinvention.

The game board is a pattern of 260 square rectangles arranged in theshape of a cross.

FIG. 1 depicts the playing surface of the game board. The center of thegame board is a square rectangular grid made up of ten horizontal rowsof square rectangles and ten vertical rows of square rectangles totaling100 square rectangles. Extending out from the top and bottom of thecenter grid of square rectangles is a rectangular grid made up of fourhorizontal rows of square rectangles and ten vertical rows of squarerectangles. Extending to the right and left of the center grid of squarerectangles is a rectangular grid made up of ten horizontal rows ofsquare rectangles and four vertical rows of square rectangles. Theending grid of square rectangles is shaped like a cross and contains 160square rectangles.

FIG. 2 depicts the tile playing pieces. The tile playing pieces are ofthe same approximate size as the square rectangles located on thesurface of the game board. The tile pieces are to be placed on theplaying surface so that they make up a line of tiles, either placedvertically or horizontally on the game board, so that no line of tileswill have fewer than three tiles in it nor exceed eight tiles. Inscribedon top of each tile is an either a numerical inscription, from one toeight, or the letter “S”. The numbers are to be used during play toarrange the tiles in a numerically matching line of tiles or anumerically sequential line of tiles. The tiles inscribed with theletter “S” represent “wild” tiles and may be substituted during play forany number in the line of tiles when it is played.

In addition to the one number or letter “S” inscribed on each tile, on aselect few tiles there is an additional, smaller, number inscribed onthe tile. This smaller number is called the “multiplier” and is used inthe scoring of the game.

During play, the line of tiles placed on the game board may be placedeither in a horizontal or vertical line. When making a horizontalnumerically sequential line of tiles, see FIG. 4, the numerical sequencemay increase from left to right or may increase from right to left.Also, in a vertical numerically sequential line of tiles, see FIG. 4,the numerical sequence may increase from top to bottom or may increasefrom bottom to top.

To begin play, each player draws eight tiles from the tiles withoutprior knowledge of which tiles he is drawing. A player is selected to gofirst and that first player must make his first play so that his tilesare placed in the center square rectangle grid. The first play must be aline of either numerically matching tiles or numerically sequentialtiles of at least three tiles in length.

FIG. 5 depicts a play that would be correct.

After the first play, each subsequent player must either cross one ormore existing line or lines of tiles on the game board or must add atile to the end of one or more line or lines of tiles present on thegame board. FIG. 6 illustrates a numerically matching line of tilescrossing over an existing line of tiles. The numerically matching lineof tiles must cross over a tile on the game board that matches the lineof tiles being played.

FIG. 7 illustrates a numerically sequential line of tiles crossing overan existing line of tiles. The numerically sequential line of tiles mustcross over a tile on the game board that continues the numericalsequence of the tiles being played.

FIG. 8 illustrates a numerically matching line of tiles being placed atthe end of an existing line of tiles. The numerically matching line oftiles being added to the end of an existing line of tiles already on thegame board must match the number in a line of numerically matching lineof tiles or must extend the numerical sequence of a numericallysequential line of tiles.

FIG. 9 illustrates a numerically sequential line of tiles being placedat the end of an existing line of tiles. The numerically sequential lineof tiles being added to the end of an existing line of tiles already onthe game board must match the numbers in a line of numerically matchingline of tiles or must extend the numerical sequence of a numericallysequential line of tiles.

FIG. 10 illustrates a numerically matching line of tiles crossing overmore than one existing line of tiles on the game board. When crossingover more than one line of tiles, the new line must match the existingnumbers being crossed over in a numerically matching line of tiles ormust continue the numerical sequence in a numerically sequential line oftiles.

FIG. 11 illustrates a numerically sequential line of tiles being addedto the end of more than one existing line of tiles on the game board.When being added to the end of more than one line of tiles, the new linemust match the existing numbers in a numerically matching line of tilesor must continue the numerical sequence in a numerically sequential lineof tiles.

When playing, some of the tiles are inscribed with the letter “S” onthem. These tiles are “wild” tiles and may be used as any number in aline of tiles. When playing a numerically matching line of tiles, thetiles marked with the letter “S” will represent the matching line ofnumbers. When playing a numerically sequential line of tiles, asdepicted in FIG. 12, the tiles marked with the letter “S” will depictthe appropriate number in the numerical sequence.

New tiles may be placed on the board as long as they add to or crossover an existing line of tiles on the board and the line or lines oftiles on the board are at least three tiles long but no longer thaneight tiles long.

FIG. 13 depicts a new line of tiles being placed between two existinglines of tiles on the board. This new line is permissible because eachline of tiles represented on the board is either a numerically matchingline of tiles or a numerically sequential line of tiles not fewer thanthree tiles long and not longer than eight tiles.

To further clarify the playing directions, illustrated in FIGS. 14through 19 are incorrect plays that would not be allowed.

FIG. 14 illustrates that new plays must either cross over existing lineor lines of tiles on the board or must extend existing line or lines oftiles on the game board. It is not permitted to place a line of tiles onthe game board that does not touch existing lines of tiles, with theexception of the first play of the game when there are no tiles presenton the game board.

FIG. 15 illustrates that new plays must match the existing line or linesof tiles on the game board. It is not permitted to place a line of tileson the end of an existing line if that new line does not match the lineof a numerically matching line or extends the sequence in a numericallysequential line of tiles.

FIG. 16 illustrates that in a numerically sequential line of tiles, thenumerical sequence must either increase or decrease. It is not permittedfor the numerical sequence to increase then decrease in the same line oftiles.

FIG. 17 illustrates that each line of tiles on the game board must be atminimum, three tiles long. In each place were tiles touch, the line oftiles must extend at least three tiles.

FIG. 18 illustrates that you must you're your tiles in a single line oftiles. You are not permitted to play in more than one line of tiles inany given play, unless a single line of tiles connects your tiles.

FIG. 19 illustrates that no line of tiles may exceed eight tiles inlength.

Each play is scored by counting the number of tiles in each new line oftiles created when play is made. Each tile in the new line is counted asone point, and then multiplied by the new multipliers present in the newline of tiles on the game board. The first play of the game receives aten-point bonus.

FIG. 5 illustrates the first play of the game. This first play,represented by a line of tiles: 4, 5, 6, 7, would score a total of 14.There are four tiles in the line of tiles, each tile counting one point,plus a ten-point bonus for being the first play, adding up to 14 points.

The second play is illustrated in FIG. 20. This second play creates onlyone new line, represented by a line of six numerically matching number7's. This second play would score twelve points. There are six 7's inthe line, each counting one point, then multiplied by the multiplier,which is the little number two. Six times the multiplier of two would betwelve.

FIG. 21 illustrates the third play of the game. The third play createstwo new lines of tiles on the game board. The numerically matching lineof 7's is increased to seven tiles and there is also a new numericallysequential line of tiles going from 7 down to 1. This new play wouldscore 91 points. To arrive at this score you must first score each newline of tiles separately then add them together to arrive at the finalscore. The first new line of tiles is the numerically matching line of7's, which increased from six tiles to seven tiles after the play. Thisline of tiles would score 21. There are seven tiles in the linemultiplied by the new multiplier added to the board. The new multiplieris three; therefore, you take the seven tiles in the line multiplied bythe multiplier of three to arrive at 21. The existing multiplier alreadyon the board is not counted in scoring the new play. Only newmultipliers placed on the board are used in calculating the new score.The second line of tiles, represented by the numerically sequential lineof tiles from 7 to 1, scores 70. To arrive at this score you count thetiles in the new line of tiles, which is seven, multiply by the newmultipliers present in that line of tiles. If there is more than onemultiplier, you add the multipliers together first, then multiply by thenumber of tiles in the line.

In FIG. 21, the new line of tiles, represented by the numericallysequential line of tiles 7 to 1, has three new multipliers in it. Thereis a three multiplier, a five multiplier and a two multiplier in theline. Adding all of these together you arrive at ten, which is thenmultiplied by the number of tiles in the line, which is seven. Sevenmultiplied by ten equals 70 for the score for the second new line oftiles. Adding the two lines of tiles together, 21 plus 70, adds up tothe final score of 91 for the third play of the game, depicted in FIG.21.

Play ends when the predetermined score is achieved, all tiles have beenplayed or no player is able to make a play.

1. A way in which to play a new tile board game wherein the playingsurface is comprised of 260 square rectangles arranged in the shape of across.
 2. A new board game wherein tiles are inscribed with numbers onethrough eight and arranged in line of tiles no few than three and nolonger than eight. The line of tiles may be a line of numericallymatching tiles or a line of numerically sequential tiles. Thenumerically sequential tiles may increase from right to left or fromleft to right in the horizontal line of tiles and the numericallysequential line of tiles may increase from top to bottom or bottom totop in the vertical line of tiles.
 3. A new board game wherein, inaddition to tiles inscribed with the numbers one through eight on them,a plurality of tiles are inscribed with the letter “S” on them. Thesetiles with the letter “S” inscribed on them act as “wild” tiles and maybe substituted for any number, from one through eight, during play.
 4. Anew board game where in addition to the numbers one through eight or theletter “S” are inscribed on each tile, on a select number of these tilesthere is an additional, smaller number inscribed which represents the“multiplier” used in scoring the game.
 5. A new board game where thescore is calculated by adding up the number of tiles in each new lineplayed on the playing surface then multiplied by the sum of the new“multipliers” present in each new line of tiles on the playing surface.